A Message from Council – RM of North Qu’Appelle No. 187 August 6, 2025
2025 Tax Policy Changes
Dear Residents and Ratepayers,
We know this year’s property tax changes have generated many questions, concerns, and frustrations — and we want to start by saying: we hear you.
The RM had intended for a modest tax increase this year but did not anticipate the significant variation resulting from SAMA reassessments and the provincial Education Property Tax
Council was facing significant long-term financial pressures. Inflation, rising fuel and equipment costs, increased insurance premiums, and higher utility and operational expenses have impacted every aspect of municipal service delivery — from road maintenance to garbage collection. For the past decade, the RM has operated under a “maintenance budget” with very minimal tax increases, while service costs continued to climb. While this approach kept taxes low in the short term, it left the municipality underprepared for long-term capital needs.
Council is now increasing its contributions to reserve funds — including the consideration of a Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve, which will help reduce volatility during reassessment years. These proactive steps are aimed at ensuring the RM doesn’t have to rely on borrowing for equipment, road projects, or drainage improvements — expenses that would be even greater with today’s rising interest rates. The development of these reserve funds is being guided by MNP, who have been engaged to assist the RM with long-term financial planning.
Council is also carefully reviewing how taxation is applied in resort hamlets. With upcoming changes to The Municipalities Act, Council is hopeful that new tools will become available to help address concerns about taxation differences between our RM and neighbouring municipalities.
Thank you for your understanding, your engagement, and your ongoing support of the RM of North Qu’Appelle No. 187.
Sincerely,
Council of the RM of North Qu’Appelle No. 187